Page 38 of Just Joshing
Molly
I don't know what horrible acts I'd done in a previous life but tonight was definitely my punishment. If these were the best of the single men of New York, then sign me up to become a nun – I was done.
Joshua Greenfeld
I wrote his name down, handing it into Lolly. She gave me a massive smile.
"It'll take me just three minutes to process these and I'll have your partner ready to go." She placed my sheet on the growing pile. Librarian handed over her list.
"Loretta, I expect to be paired with my number one this time. Otherwise, I will be leaving that review."
Lolly's smile turned brittle. "Elena, as I've explained before, the final dates rely on mutual pairings. If your interest doesn't feel the same connection, I can't pair you. I can't force anything. But, if you like, I can work with you separately to-"
"No," Elena tapped her list. "I expect you to pair me." She turned on her heels, making a beeline for the toilets.
"Gee," I lifted an eyebrow at Lolly. "She seems fun."
Lolly sighed, looking down at the list. "She's been to thirteen of these events. Comes on too strong. I believe, firmly believe, there is someone for everyone. But somedays…" Lolly looked up, shaking off her pessimistic attitude. "It's just a matter of time, right? Maybe tonight's the night."
"Maybe," I offered, forcing a smile. I felt strangely unsettled by Lolly's lack of winking.
Imagine that.
I made for the bar, searching out Josh's familiar hair. He stood off to the side, two glasses before him.
"Is this for me?" I asked, reaching for the first.
"Yeah, it's not your brew but it's not bad."
I downed the whiskey in one hit.
"Damn, girl." He grinned, holding up a hand for the barman. "Bad night?"
"If your experience was even half as bad as mine, you too would be contemplating celibacy."
"Nah," Josh leaned into me, comfortably resting his hip against mine. "I can't stand collars. And while black is a good look on me, I'm not into robes either."
I sniggered, watching the barman pour me another glass. "Your mother would be happy though."
"Priesthood or grandkids. They're my only two options."
I raised an eyebrow, "what if you were gay?"
"Again, priesthood or grandkids. She doesn't care if grandkids come from a wife, a surrogate or adoption. She just wants me to be happy."
"And fruitful."
"That too."
We both chuckled. I ran a finger over the side of the glass, feeling strangely at ease with the silence between us.
The airhorn blew, Lolly holding up a clipboard. "We have our pairings!"
She quickly began to read them out.
My tongue felt too big for my mouth. My palms and pits were sweaty and I could the pulse in my neck as Lolly called forward the couples then sent them on their way.
Josh reached out, intertwining his fingers with mine.
